Spurs vs Arsenal U18s - John's preview

John McDermott has played down the North London derby hype surrounding our Under-18s’ home match against Arsenal this weekend.

The lads host the Gunners at the Training Centre on Saturday morning looking for a return to winning ways, having drawn two and lost two of their last four games.

But while acknowledging the importance of the meeting with our North London rivals in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League, Academy Manager John says he’s more interested in what our lads can produce on the pitch in what promises to be tough test.

“I guess there’s a tradition and a history around the rivalry that the staff and the players understand, but we also realise that it’s one of the highest quality fixtures that we’ll come across this season,” John said on Friday afternoon.

“Traditionally we have really good games with Arsenal so I think it’ll be a very good test for where we are.

“I’m more interested in the quality of the opposition and our boys showcasing what they can do against them rather than putting any pressure on about a North London derby.

“It’s important that that the players are able to deal with any external talk passionately but also calmly.”